1996 Lotus Elan vs. 2012 Buick Regal
To start off, 2012 Buick Regal is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Buick Regal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick Regal (270 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick Regal should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick Regal weights approximately 663 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Buick Regal (400 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 2012 Buick Regal | |
| Make | Lotus | Buick |
| Model | Elan | Regal |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1683 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4831 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2738 mm |
